Wednesday, September 27, 2006

RedEye/Tribune tackle Chicago myths

True ChicagoRedEye sets the record straighton 13 local myths and mysteries

By Kyra KylesRedEyePublished September 27, 2006

The Excalibur nightclub is a source of mystery for Dee Zrnich, 25.

"I saw this documentary on Excalibur, and I've been on this site called hauntedchicago.com," the Jefferson Park resident said of the club at 632 N. Dearborn St. "When I go there, I always want to ask somebody if there are ghosts there, but when you're drinking, it's not a good time."

But ghouls aren't the only local fascination. One South Sider's quest is to find the building where media mogul Oprah Winfrey lives.

"I just keep wondering where it is," said Aleria Butler, 20. "She just is such a big figure nationally."

Those mysteries are among the most popular for those who live in or are visiting the city, history buffs said. About 10 years ago, locals were obsessed with Chicago's mob history, but the new focus is on simple history, local legends and pop culture trivia including: Did Mrs. O'Leary's cow really burn the city to a crisp? What exactly is the Cubs' curse? Why does the Chicago River run backward?